ADS-B
A system in which an aircraft continually broadcasts its own position, derived from satellite navigation.
Also written
ADSBautomatic dependent surveillance broadcast
ADS-B is "dependent" because the aircraft, not the radar, works out where it is, and "automatic" because it transmits without being asked. Anyone with a cheap receiver can pick it up, which is why flight-tracking websites exist and how a spotter knows what is inbound an hour out.
Nearby in Aviation
- airside — The part of an airport beyond security, where aircraft operate.
- apron — The paved area where aircraft park, load, refuel and are serviced.
- APU — A small turbine engine, usually in the tail, that supplies electrical power and bleed air on the ground.
- ATIS — A looped broadcast of an airport's current weather, runway in use and other essential information.